{"id":1478,"date":"2024-01-07T22:07:54","date_gmt":"2024-01-07T22:07:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2024\/01\/07\/beretta-apx-a1-compact-a-review-of-new-apx-family-member\/"},"modified":"2024-01-07T22:07:55","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T22:07:55","slug":"beretta-apx-a1-compact-a-review-of-new-apx-family-member","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2024\/01\/07\/beretta-apx-a1-compact-a-review-of-new-apx-family-member\/","title":{"rendered":"Beretta APX A1 Compact – A Review of New APX Family Member"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/picture>
The A1: Beretta\u2019s Newest Addition to the APX Family<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

<\/svg><\/span>Estimated reading time: <\/span>8<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n

In the ever-evolving world of firearms, manufacturers are constantly striving to create innovative and reliable weapons that cater to the needs of shooters.\u00a0The Beretta APX is a family of polymer-framed, modular, striker-fired semi-automatic pistols designed and produced by Beretta. The series began in 2016, starting with the full-size standard model. The line includes compact, concealed carry, and competition models.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\"Beretta<\/picture>
Beretta APX A1 Compact left side view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Beretta<\/picture>
Beretta APX A1 Compact right side view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The Beretta APX A1 Compact<\/a> is a highly anticipated addition to the APX series, known for its exceptional reliability and performance. Designed for concealed carry and personal defense, this compact pistol offers a perfect balance of size, firepower, and ergonomics. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the features, specifications, and performance of the Beretta APX A1 Compact, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.<\/p>\n

Design and Build Quality<\/h2>\n

The APX A1 Compact boasts a sleek and modern design, featuring a polymer frame with aggressive texturing for enhanced grip and control. The overall build quality is excellent, with attention to detail evident in every aspect of the firearm. The slide is made from durable stainless steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear and tear. The Aqua Tech Shield coating ensures top-notch corrosion resistance, while the extended frame stippling and squared trigger guard provide enhanced control. The compact size and lightweight construction make it ideal for concealed carry, without compromising on reliability or accuracy.<\/p>\n

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\"Beretta<\/picture>
Beretta APX A1 Compact<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Performance and Reliability<\/h2>\n

One of the standout features of the Beretta APX A1 Compact is its exceptional performance and reliability. The pistol is chambered in 9mm, offering a balance between stopping power and manageable recoil. The striker-fired system provides a consistent trigger pull, resulting in precise and predictable shots. The APX A1 Compact has proven to be highly reliable, with minimal malfunctions or failures to feed, fire, or eject. This reliability is crucial for a self-defense firearm, ensuring peace of mind in critical situations.<\/p>\n

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\"Winchester<\/picture>
Winchester 9mm for Testing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Ergonomics and Comfort<\/h2>\n

Beretta has paid great attention to ergonomics in the design of the APX A1 Compact. The grip is comfortable and well-contoured. The slide serrations, trigger guard, and grip make it disappear in the palm of your hand. The\u00a0 APX A1 Compact comes with 3 different backstrap sizes, all marked visibly as S,M,L accommodating various hand sizes. The APX A1 Compact\u2019s slide is well-balanced, and the gun points naturally with a good grip angle. The aggressive texturing on the grip ensures a secure hold. The ambidextrous slide catch and reversible magazine release make it suitable for both right and left-handed shooters. The low bore axis and minimal muzzle rise contribute to reduced recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy.<\/p>\n

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\"Beretta's<\/picture>
Backstrap sizes all visibly marked<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

A1 Sights and Optics<\/h2>\n

The Beretta APX A1 Compact is equipped with a red fiber optic front sight and an optics-ready slide, which allows for the attachment of various optics kits. Beretta offers 5 different optic kit options available for purchase. The bright fiber-optic front sight was easy to pick up quickly and the pistol also features a two-slot rail for the addition of a flashlight or laser, further expanding its optics capabilities. This combination of features makes the Beretta APX A1 Compact a robust and versatile firearm, ready to accommodate a wide range of optics and accessories.<\/p>\n

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\"Beretta<\/picture>
Picatinny Rail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

SEE MORE: Tough Meets Tiny \u2013 The Beretta APX Carry<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\"Beretta<\/picture>
Red Fiber Optic Sight<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Magazine Capacity and Controls<\/h2>\n

The Beretta APX A1 Compact comes with a generous magazine capacity of 15 rounds, providing ample firepower for self-defense situations. The magazine release is easily accessible and responsive, allowing for quick and efficient reloads. The oversized controls, including the ambidextrous slide stop, are very noticeable and easy to operate under stress but are a bit stiff out of the box. In the case for my review of the APX A1 Compact, there was 2 magazines and a magazine loader. The magazine loader was not very effective due to the design of the piece that pushed the bullets down, causing them to point upwards and misload. It was faster for me to not use it and have sore thumbs instead.<\/p>\n

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\"Beretta<\/picture>
Everything in the case<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Safety Features<\/h2>\n
\"Winchester<\/picture>
Time to shoot some Winchester 9mm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beretta has incorporated several safety features into the APX A1 Compact. These include a striker block safety, trigger safety, and a loaded chamber indicator. The trigger safety prevents accidental discharges, while the loaded chamber indicator provides a visual and tactile indication of a round in the chamber. I did find that the loaded chamber indicator wasn\u2019t very distinguishable and would make me second guess whether there was a round chambered or not if I wasn\u2019t familiar with it.<\/p>\n

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\"Beretta<\/picture>
Loaded \u2013 Chamber Indicator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Beretta<\/picture>
Empty \u2013 Chamber Indicator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Specifications For the APX A1<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Caliber<\/td>\n9mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Magazine<\/td>\n10, 15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Barrel Length<\/td>\n3.7\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Overall Length<\/td>\n6.9\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight<\/td>\n27.7 oz.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MSRP<\/td>\n$449<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Disassembly and Maintenance<\/h2>\n

Disassembling the Beretta APX A1 Compact for cleaning and maintenance is a simple process. After ensuring the firearm is unloaded, users can remove the slide by retracting it slightly and engaging the takedown lever. The barrel and recoil spring assembly can then be easily removed for cleaning. The APX A1 Compact\u2019s design minimizes the number of small parts, simplifying maintenance and reducing the risk of losing components.<\/p>\n

Pros and Cons of the A1<\/h2>\n

Pros<\/p>\n